Grading the Seahawks 2019 draft

In the 2019 NFL Draft the Seattle Seahawks added ten players to the roster. It will be months before we get to see any of those players in live action and years before we are actually able to understand how good or bad this draft class actually is, however, everyone loves snap grades in the wake of the draft, so let’s go ahead and work through the picks and grade them.

L.J. Collier - DE - TCU

B

Scouting reports don’t have Collier with the kind of upside that teams typically hope for out of first round picks, however, he doesn’t seem to be as large of a reach as many fans have complained. He plays a position of need, and it will certainly be interesting to see how things shake out on the edges for the Seattle defensive line after trading away Frank Clark.

Marquise Blair - S - Utah

B-

Another potential reach at a position of need, some of the scouting reports are a little scary when discussing Blair taking the wrong angle. That said, someone who plays a highly physical style of football and is constantly looking to destroy opposing receivers is a definite plus in my book.

D.K. Metcalf - WR - Ole Miss

A

Many observers had Metcalf going in the first round, and DraftScout.com had Metcalf as the number one available wide receiver and a projected early to mid first round pick. Obviously he has some injury issues and limited college production, but to get a physical specimen with upside potential with the last pick in the second round is a steal.

Cody Barton - LB - Utah

B+

A smart, active linebacker who is all over the field? That definitely seems like it addresses an area of concern in a division where the Los Angeles Rams sport one of the best offenses in the league and the Arizona Cardinals could be moving to an Air Raid style offense. Even the San Francisco 49ers gave the Seattle defense issues while being quarterbacked by an undrafted free agent, so adding the pieces necessary to slow down opponents seems like a good use of a pick.

Gary Jennings - WR - West Virginia

B+

Another wide receiver who could battle David Moore for playing time, or perhaps even slide inside to the slot. The Hawks have one of best quarterbacks in the NFL, and now the front office is spending draft capital in order to give Russell Wilson weapons. Whether or not they actually put those weapons to use remains to be seen, but at least they’re adding that potential.

Phil Haynes - G - Wake Forest

A

Haynes is a multi-year starter from a P5 conference, and has experience at both guard spots as well as right tackle. He has the size and aggressiveness that Mike Solari likes, and he should step right in and compete with Jordan Simmons, Joey Hunt and Ethan Pocic for those depth spots on the interior of the offensive line.

Ugo Amadi - CB - Oregon

C+

A quality addition to the team, especially given the loss of Justin Coleman from the slot to the Detroit Lions. Amadi can play all over the secondary, and with very few players with established roles for the Seattle secondary, bringing in youth and energy to compete creates for an interesting situation.

Ben Burr-Kirven - LB - Washington

A

Fifth round picks are not typically expected to contribute much as rookies, however, a tackling machine like Burr-Kirven could fill a significant role on special teams and backing up linebacker spots. In particular, with uncertainty regarding K.J. Wright’s health and ongoing questions regarding the availability of Mychal Kendricks, this pick addresses an area for which the team had significant question marks.

Travis Homer - RB - Miami

B

A smaller running back by Pete Carroll’s standards, Homer weighed in at just 201 at the combine, which is far below where Seahawks running backs have traditionally weighed in during Carroll’s time. Perhaps this represents the Hawks turning over a new leaf, or perhaps the Hawks simply loved his explosive combine workout numbers and his 4.48 speed.

Demarcus Christmas - DT - Florida State

B-

After the Seahawks had a disastrous season in run defense during 2018, it comes as no surprise that they added a run stuffing defensive tackle in the draft. That said, Christmas did record a handful of sacks during college, but likely will not be asked to rush the passer much in the NFL.

Late addition: John Ursua - WR - Hawaii

A

I know absolutely nothing about this pick, but Field Gulls Matty F. Brown says it’s a good pick, and that Ursua has a chance to step in and produce right away if he can build a connection with Russ. Obviously, the fact that the team has now drafted three wide receivers is not a good omen for Doug Baldwin’s future with the team, but I trust Matty and if he says Ursua is good, I’ll believe him.